How to Build Your Network, Without Being a Schmoozer
You hear people everywhere talking about the benefits of networking, both for business and personal reasons. It’s true. Networking can help expand your business contacts, generate more sales, and ultimately allow you to live a more fulfilling life. However, those that are most successful at networking have learned one important rule:
Build your network for the benefit of your network
Have you ever been to a party or event, and seen the type of person who is loud, boisterous and is always in search of the most important or well-known person in the room? They could care less about anyone but themselves. They look at the situation and ask “what can i do that is going to benefit me the most”. You don’t want to be the schmoozer. The question you should be asking is:
How can I help everyone else?
You want to become the go-to-guy (or girl) for everything. When a member of your network needs a favor, advice, a recommendation etc. you want them to think of you. This is what networking is all about: helping other people. Why is this? Why shouldn’t your primary goal while networking be personal gain? The answer: Because people will see right through it. No one wants to work or befriend the guy who only cares about themselves. And they certainly won’t do you any favors, or introduce you to someone in their network.
By helping others, they begin to see you as a valuable asset. You are someone worth knowing and keeping in contact with. Alright, so great, now you have a bunch of people asking favors of you all the time; where is the benefit for you? Well now that you are a valuable asset, when it comes time for you to ask for something, you better believe your contacts will do everything they can to help out!
Here are a few things to keep in mind while networking at an event, or just in your day-to-day life:
- Don’t seek out the most sought after person in the room. The chances are good that the other people around you have more to offer, and will be much more interested in building a relationship (or at least having a conversation).
- After meeting someone for the first time, FOLLOW UP! Always get the contact info of a new acquaintance, and send a follow up email. Something as simple as “It was nice to meet you” can go a long way in furthering the relationship.
- Be yourself. This seems obvious, but if you aren’t from the beginning, it will come back to hurt you later on. Not to mention, this leads to much more fulfilling relationships.
- Always be thinking about ways to connect your network. If you realize that you know two people with very similar interests, introduce them! They will both appreciate the thought, and there is a good chance they will repay the favor and create an introduction of their own. This has been made MUCH easier over recent years by utilizing the power of social networking websites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. A few quick messages, and you can help build new relationships that will be beneficial to everyone involved.
In the end, networking should really be about enjoying the opportunity to meet new people and learn about them and their goals. It should never feel like work, and the people with the most success are the ones that are truly interested and sincere. So next time you are at an event or in a social group, keep these things in mind and watch the power of your network grow with each new person you meet!
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